Red Wings tap Andover’s Perry in NHL draft

Andover native Chase Perry was one of a 15 Minnesotan’s taken in the NHL Entry Draft – and the only goalie.

He was selected in the fifth round (136th pick overall) by the Detroit Red Wings during a run on Minnesota-born players, where six prospects were drafted within 14 positions.

The 18-year-old was the 15th goalie selected after NHL Central Scouting had him ranked eighth among North American goalies.
Andover native Chase Perry was drafted by the Detroit Red Wings in the fifth round of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft.File photo

He learned that Detroit selected him through a text from his uncle congratulating him while he was on the way to a cousin’s wedding.

“I was following it on my phone and I was pretty excited that day and the day after, but I know that just because I was drafted doesn’t mean the hard work stops,” he said. “I just need to keep working harder in weight room and take the next step to get better as a goaltender.”

Perry completed his senior year of high school while playing in the North American Hockey League for the Wenatchee (Washington) Wild last year. He composed a 15-12-2-4 record with two shutouts, a 2.34 goals against average and .905 saves percentage in 35 games. He posted a 5-5 record in the playoffs with a 1.83 goals against average and .933 saves percentage.

He doesn’t plan to attend the Red Wings’ development camp later in July, but instead will focus on training with goalie coach Pete Samargia before arriving in Colorado Springs, Colorado to begin his collegiate career.

He will join Burnsville Class of 2013 graduate Teemu Kivihalme as an incoming rookie at Colorado College this fall. Kivihalme was selected by Nashville last year.